Princess Mary gives SunSmart Program a Slip, Slop, Slap on the back

Wednesday 11 May, 2011

The team behind Victoria's renowned SunSmart Program was delighted to meet HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark at the first International Conference on Ultraviolet (UV) and Skin Cancer Prevention last week to share some top Aussie tips on best practice when it comes to sun protection and skin cancer prevention.

Princess Mary is an official patron of the international conference, which was held in Copenhagen last week and co-sponsored by the SunSmart Program at Cancer Council Victoria.

Over 140 skin cancer and UV professionals attended bringing together the best international expertise on the topic and going down in history as the largest conference ever held on skin cancer.

In her speech at the closing ceremony of the conference, the Princess acknowledged Australia as leading the way in sun protection.

"Like most people from Australia, I have 'respect' for the sun and when I first came to Denmark, I was quite surprised to discover a very different attitude to the sun," said Princess Mary.

SunSmart Manager, Ms Sue Heward, said: "Since the SunSmart Program began over 30 years ago, it has achieved significant results including the prevention of over 100,000 skin cancers and downward trends in skin cancer rates, making it one of the most successful programs in Australia."

"SunSmart has grown to become a world leading program in UV protection. Our role as co-sponsors of this international conference is further confirmation of how far we have come since the iconic Slip! Slop! Slap! Campaign."

Ms Heward, presented the Princess, who is originally from Tasmania, with some Australian gifts for her young family, including long sleeved clothing and sunglasses so they can protect their skin and eyes during the European summer.

The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and other artificial sources, such as solariums. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with at least two in three Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

A cancer diagnosis can create challenges to your ability to work. Workplaces are often unsure of how to create a fair and supportive workplace, and employees are often unsure of their rights and responsibilities.

Find out more about our free, confidential counselling with medical specialists trained in intimacy, body image, sexual confidence and relationships. Available to all those facing cancer and their partners, including members of the LGBTQI community.